A devastating lightning strike on a hillside near the Solan–Subathu road in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district resulted in the tragic death of at least 55 sheep and goats in the early hours of Sunday. The incident, which occurred around 3:45 AM, saw three shepherds narrowly escape injury as they were setting up tents for a night halt.
Shepherds from Kinnaur District Affected
The shepherds, identified as Vishal Negi, Vinay Singh, Krishan Bhagat, and Vinod Kumar Chaura from Kinnaur's Bhava area, had brought a herd of approximately 650 sheep and goats to the Solan–Subathu region for grazing. They were following traditional migratory routes, moving from the higher reaches to lower areas to escape the harsh winter conditions, a practice they undertake annually.
Sudden Lightning Strike During Night Halt
According to reports, the lightning struck suddenly at the exact spot where the herd had gathered. The shepherds were in the process of setting up their tents when the incident took place, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the weather event. A senior officer confirmed that a team from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department visited the site to assess the situation.
Initial Probe Rules Out Foul Play
The initial investigation suggests no foul play behind the deaths of the domestic livestock. An inquest proceeding has been initiated to further examine the circumstances. The officer noted that among the herd of around 650 sheep and goats, approximately 55 animals perished due to the lightning strike.
This incident underscores the risks faced by pastoral communities in Himachal Pradesh, who rely on traditional migratory practices for their livelihood. The narrow escape of the shepherds adds a layer of relief to an otherwise tragic event, emphasizing the importance of safety measures during adverse weather conditions in hilly terrains.
